Thursday 30 July 2015 12:53, UK
Former Chelsea striker Adrian Mutu has confirmed he has signed a two-year contract with Indian Super League side FC Pune City.
The 36-year-old Romanian was unable to make it over to India last year for the club's first season in the competition, as FIFA turned down his application due to it being filled in after the closure of the transfer window.
Former Parma man Mutu is now set to lead out the FC Pune City squad for their opening match of the campaign against Mumbai City on October 5.
Chelsea paid a £15.8m transfer fee for Mutu in August 2003, handing him a five-year contract, but just over a year later he failed a drugs test.
The forward received a seven-month worldwide football ban from the FA, along with a £20,000 fine, and was released from Chelsea in October 2004.
Mutu made 27 Premier League appearances in total for the Blues, netting six goals.
Prior to his ban ending, Juventus signed the striker and he spent the 2005/6 season with them before moving to fellow Italian side Fiorentina after Juve were relegated.
Despite Mutu's chequered past, FC Pune City are optimistic about the marquee player's prospects in the Indian Super League after the Stallions finished sixth in the 2014/15 season.
The 36-year-old has been voted Romanian Footballer of the Year four times and scored a national record-equalling 35 goals in 77 caps. In recent years, Mutu has had spells with another Serie A side Cesena and French team Ajaccio.
Pune head coach David Platt said: "Adrian Mutu is capable of taking pressure and his experience is welcoming."
On signing for FC Pune City, Mutu said: "It's a new experience to join FC Pune City and it's a privilege to be in your country. Mine and FC Pune City's goal is to do better than before and bring the trophy home."
He added: "I think what you're doing with the Indian Super League is the best thing you could do to develop football in your country. I am sure in the coming years, Indian Super League is going to grow bigger and bigger."
